Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is in Taiwan for a state visit. He is the first allied leader to visit Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen’s May 20 inauguration.
According to the foreign ministry, Sogavare arrived in Taiwan on Sunday and will stay until July 31. On Monday, Sogavare met with President Tsai Ing-wen.
Tsai praised the years of cooperation between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands and said that she hopes to promote industrial cooperation between the two countries in the future. Tsai also welcomed the appointment of a new Solomon Islands ambassador to Taiwan.
The foreign ministry says that Sogavare is a staunch ally, helping Taiwan to play an important role in the international community. His recent actions in support of Taiwan include proposing a resolution in the Solomon Islands parliament congratulating President Tsai Ing-wen on her election and inauguration. Sogavare thanked Taiwan for providing assistance in areas including rural development.
The Solomon Islands is one of Taiwan’s six allies in the Pacific region. The foreign ministry says that Taiwan and the Solomon Islands enjoy close cooperation in areas such as medicine and public health, education, clean energy, and agricultural technology.